Public school principals have issued a statement calling on Education Minister El James to disclose before tomorrow the full proposal to close five primary schools.

The three-page document from the Association of School Principals (ASP) says that school leaders found out about the idea to shut East End, Prospect, Gilbert Institute, Heron Bay and Dalton E. Tucker primary schools via the media on January 13.

And it reveals that the schools possibly facing the axe may have changed, according to information said to have been given to the ASP by education commissioner Wendy McDonell at a meeting today.

“We are aware of the plan for school closures/consolidation,” says the statement, faxed to The Royal Gazette from the Gilbert Institute at 12.22 p.m. today.

“What we cannot support at this time is a proposal that is not comprehensive, without a clear rationale, which has not included the input of the leaders of our schools and which is poorly timed as it relates to implementation for September 2010.”

The ASP says it requested further information from Mrs. McDonell today and was given a one-page document outlining the current status of schools and the proposed changes.

“What has been shared to date is still inadequate, provides limited data and no strategies for execution. We call on the Minister and Department of Education leaders to be honest, clear and transparent with sharing the whole plan by Friday, January 22, 2010.

“Once we have in our possession the comprehensive plan, we want to assure our parents, teachers and students that we will analyse the plan and put forward to the Ministry of Education constructive recommendations based on what we know is in the best interest of students in the Bermuda public school system.”

The statement includes a timeline, with an entry for today reading: “School leaders’ meeting with commissioner of education. School leaders receive a one-page document on the numbers at each school and a proposal for school numbers and possible closures/consolidation for 2010.

“We learn that some of the schools initially listed for consolidation/closures have changed, others have been added and some schools will change in their function.”

The statement reassures parents that all public schools will be open and ready for registration next month for the new term in September 2010.

This newspaper has not yet been able to reach anyone from the ASP for comment.

See tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette for the full story.

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